Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Indonesia law
Cannabis laws in Gili Trawangan follow Indonesia’s national law. For travelers, the jurisdiction’s law is the controlling standard—cities usually don’t define cannabis legality.
Recreational and medical cannabis are illegal. Enforcement is strict, and penalties for possession can be severe. Travelers face significant legal risk.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Illegal
- Medical: Not available
- Possession: Illegal; severe penalties possible
- Buying/Selling: Illegal
- Tourists: High enforcement risk
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Law Enforcement
The Gilis advertised themselves as free of “motors, police and dogs.” There was no permanent police presence in the island scene I knew, but officers visited, and it felt like everyone knew when they were coming.
Where to Buy Marijuana
You could come across weed before finding a room. Turn left off the ferry and there were Rastas, plenty of dreadlocks and cafés playing Bob Marley. Sometimes somebody there knew where to find it.
Marijuana Prices
600,000 rupiah, about US$80 at the time, for an ounce. You’d have to trim it.
Types of Marijuana
Mostly leaf and tips, said to come from Sumatra, and pretty rough to smoke. The locals could roll amazing joints. Sharing with the guys who supplied it was part of the deal.